Railway signal and switch apparatus.



No. 647,482. Patented. Apr. 17, 1900..

' F. L. DDDGSUN.

BAILWAY SIGNAL AND SWITCH APPARATUS.

(Application filed Nov. 14, 1898.) (llo Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet l.

ventor.

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No. 647,482. Patented Apr. I7, I900.

, F. L. uonasou.

RAILWAY SIGNAL AND SWITCH APPARATUS.

(Aplication filed Nov. 14, 1898.) (No Model.)

8 Sheets-Sheet 2.

Witnesses.

Inventor.

Attorney;

No. 647,482. Patented Apr. l7, I900.

' F; L. DODGSON.

RAILWAY SIGNAL AND SWITCH APPARAT'US. (Applicaqion filed Nov. 14, 1698.) (No Model.) 8 Sheets-Sheet 3.

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(Application filed Nov. 14, 1898,) (N o' M 0 del Witnesses.

. Patented Apr. 17, I900. F. 'L. DDDGSON.

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No. 647,482. Patented Ap r. I7 1900'.

r F. L. noneson.

RAILWAY SIGNAL AND SWITCH APPARATUS.

(Application filed Nov. 14, 1898.)

(No Model.) a Sheets-Sheet 5.

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No; 647,482 Patented Apr. [7, I900.

F. L. DODGSON. RAILWAY SIGNAL AND swncu APPARATUS.

(Application filed Nov. 14,1698.) -(No Model.) 7 8 Sheets-Sheet 6.

Witnesses.

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No. 647,482. Patented Apr. l7, I900. F. L. nonason;

RAILWAY SIGNAL AND SWITCH APPARATUS.

(Application filed Now-1 1, was.

(No Model.)

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NIL-647,482- Patented Apr. 17, I900.

' L. nonssou. RAILWAY SIGNAL AND swn'cH APPARATUS.

(Application filed. Nov. 14. 1898.! (No Model. 8 shunts-Sheet 8.

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UNiTED STATES PATENT CFFICE.

FRANK L. DODGSON, OF ROCHESTER, NEW YORK, ASSIGNOR TO THE PNEUMATIC RAILWAY SIGNAL COMPANY, OF SAME PLACE.

RAILWAY SIG NAL AN D SWITCH APPARATUS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 647,482, dated April 17, 19cc.

Application filed November 14,1898. Serial No. 696,431. (No model.) i

To aZZ whom it may concern:

Be it known that I, FRANK L. DODGSON, a citizen of the United States, and a resident of Rochester, in the county of Monroe and State of New York, have invented certain new and useful Improvements in Railway Signal and Switch Apparatus, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to a combined switch and signal system for railways involving means for return signaling to the operatingstation, showing when the signals and the switches are set to certain positions; also, means for locking the parts in order to secure the occurrence of the proper series of operations, involving certain preliminary lockings, which are prerequisite to the operation of an interlocking mechanism; also, novel devices and features of construction in both the switch and signal mechanisms; also, pneumatic devices for performing many of the operations occurring in the system.

The object of my invention is to provide an efiicientswitch mechanism and semaphore mechanism which may be employed either separately or in combination, in which low pneumatic pressure maybe employed for operating the mechanisms, and which may be employed for action at considerable distances from the source of pressure.

My invention consists in the devices and combinations hereinafter described and claimed.

In the drawings, Figure 1 is a side elevation of a signal-post, showing the semaphore in two positions, together with the valves upon said post. Fig. 2 is a front elevation of the same devices. Fig. 3 is a vertical section on the line 3 of Fig. 2 through the indicator-valve and a portion of its lever. Fig.

- 4 is a plan view of the mechanisms at aswitch.

Fig. 4. is a section on the line 4 of Fig. 4 through the locking-bar, its guide, the motion-plate, and its base-plate. Fig. 4 is a section on the same line with the parts in other positions. Fig. 4 is a section on the line at of Fig. 4 through the switch-moving bar, its guide-bar, the motion-plate, and its base-plate. Fig. 4 is a plan view of the motion-plate. Fig. 5 is a side elevation of a portion of the same mechanisms at a switch.

Fig. '6 is a top plan view of a cylinder-valve at a switch. Fig. 7 is a vertical section on the line 7 7 of Fig. 6. Fig. Sis a vertical section on the line 88of'Fig. 6. Figs. 9, 10, and 11 are cross-sections on the lines 9 9, 10 10, and 11 11 of Fig. 7. Fig. 12 is an elevation of the slide-valve at a switch, a portion of the casing being removed. Fig. 13 is a top plan view of the same valve, the top of the casing being removed. Fig. 14 is a top plan view of the slide-valve seat. Fig. 15 is a bottom plan view of the slide-valve. Fig. 16 is a vertical section on the line 16 16 of Fig. 12. Fig. 17 is a vertical section on the line 17 17 of Fig. 12. Fig. 18 is a vertical section on the line 18 18 of Fig. 13. Fig. 19 is a top plan view of the operating-bar relating to a switch, with its indicating and locking devices. Fig. 20 is a side elevation of a portion of the same bar, parts being removed to exhibit construction and seen as indicated by the arrow marked 20 in Fig. 19. Fig. 20 is a section on the line 20 20 of Fig. 20. Fig. 21 is a section on the line 21 21 of Fig. 20. Fig. 22 is a side elevation of a switch-operating bar, showing its connection with a tappet-bar of the interlocking mechanism. Fig. 22 is a side elevation of a signal-operating bar. Fig. 23 is a vertical'section on the line 23 of Fig. 22. Fig. 24 is the bottom plan of a switch-operating bar. Fig. 25 is a top plan view of a switch-operating device and a signal-operating device at the operating-station. Fig. 26 is a side elevation of the same devices shown in Fig. 25. Fig. 27 is a front elevation of the same device shown in Figs. 25 and 26, showing also the interlocking devices between the switch mechanism and the signal-operating mechanism. Fig. 28 is a side elevation of a valve of vices. Fig. 29 is a front elevation of said valve. Fig. 30 is a top plan of said valve,

omitting the devices for holding it upon its seat. Fig. 31 is a vertical section on the line 31 31 of Fig. 30. Fig. 32 is a vertical section on the line 32 32 of Fig. 28. Fig. 32 isaverthe switch-operating and signal-operating debottom plan view of the slide-valve of the same valve, and Fig. 35 is a diagrammatic View of a complete switch and signal apparatus.

The signal or semaphore operating devices are the same as those shown in. my pending application, Serial No. 656,856, filed October 29, 1897. They include a counterweighted semaphore-arm S, adapted to rest normally in the danger position and to be moved to the safety or abnormal position by pneumatic pressure acting in a cylinder 15, having a piston connected to said semaphore-arm. It is unnecessary to describe the valves and the valve-operating mechanism by which the movements of this arm are produced, for the reason that these parts constitute the subjectmatter of my said application. I add thereto a return-signaling device whichindicates to the operator at the operating-station the return of the semaphore to the danger position and which operates also as a locking device when a correlated switch or signal is employed. For this purpose there is pivoted upon the-signal-post 1 a lever 2, one of the arms of which is placed in the path of movement of the semaphore-arm S (or obviously in the path of a part moving with said semaphore-arm) and in such a position in said path that when the semaphore-arm has returned to the danger position the lever at the very end of the return movement of said arm is tilted or actuated. The other arm of the lever 2 is adapted to move avalve mechanism which admits air under pressure to a pipe X, leading to the operating-station, and by suitable devices at that point indicates the return of the semaphore-arm to its normal or danger position and also acts, as hereinafter explained, in connection with the switch-0perating device. The valve just mentioned is set within a valve-casing 4 W11lChlS fixed upon the signal-post 1. The valve-stem 3 extends into the casing and carries two valve-heads 5 and 6, which are normally pressed against the action of the lever 2 by a spring 7 in the casing. An inlet-pipe 8 leads into said valvecasing, and the pipe X leads out therefrom back to the operating-station. The pipe 8 is connected by a pipe Y with the principal air-main Y of the system, in which there is always air under pressure derived from a reservoir R or other source of air-pressure. The valve-head 5 is adapted to move downward from the position in which it is held by the semaphore-arm when at danger to cover an inlet-port 9 and cut off pressu re from the valvecasing and to rest upon a valve-seat 10, which may be packed, if desired. This downward motion is produced by the spring 7, assisted by the air-pressure coming from the pipe 8 on the top of the head 5. The head 6, when held in position by the semaphore-arm at danger, covers an exhaust-port 12 (shown in dotted lines in Fig. 3) and rests against a seat 13, which may have a packing, if desired. An outlet-port 14 connects with the pipe X. The

operation of this device is as follows: Then the semaphore-arm is in the normal or danger position, the lever 2 is tilted and strikes the projecting stem 3, lifting the valve-head covering the exhaust-port 12 and opening the inlet-port 9, which, through the connectingcavity 11 between the heads 5 and 6, leads air under pressure from the pipe 8 through the casing into the pipe X and creates a pres sure in said pipe which is communicated to suitable signaling or looking devices at the operating-station. hen the semaphore-arm is in the safety position, the lever 2 is relieved and the spring 7 and air-pressure from the pipe 8 press the valves 5 and G downward, closing the inlet-port 9 and opening the exhaust-port 12, thus permitting the exhaust of the air from the pipe X through the port 14 and the exhaust-port 12, which is at this time open to the air. The character of these signaling or looking devices at the operating-station that are operated by these means is hereinafter explained.

Through suitableinterlocking deviceslproduce conjoint and correlative movements of the semaphore with the movements of a pneumatically-operated switch, as will be fully explained later on in this specification. In Fig. 4 the switch is shown as set for the main track A A. The rails of the siding are E B. The movable switch-points a Z) are connected by suitable bars 1) D The main air-pipe Y, leading from the reservoir, divides in the two branches y if, passing through suitable valve devices, hereinafter explained, and into the opposite ends of a cylinder 0, having a suitable piston therein. The piston-rod cis connected to a motion-plate D, which slides in suitable guides on a base D The motionplate has a cam-slot d therein, having two end portions d 01 each parallel to the line of movement of the plate, and a diagonal portion d connecting said two end portions. A pin bearing a friction-roller b rests in the slot d, and when the middle diagonal portion (Z of the slot acts upon said roller it moves ittransversely with reference to the line of movement of the plate. The roller b is fixed upon a bar b, which is connected to a rod 11 by a pivot I). The bar 6 carries a supplementary guide-rod b passing through a suitable guide-slot in the base-plate D as shown in Fig. 4. An arm b rigidly fastened upon the bridle or bar 1), connecting the movable switch-points, is perforated, and the bar 19 passes through it, and by means of setting and locking nuts b the position of the switchpoints with reference to the slot (1 of the motion-plate may be properly adjusted. As shown in the drawings, the movements of the piston-rod and of the motion-plate are transverse to the direction of the motion of the movable switch-points, and it will now be seen that a complete longitudinal movement of the motion-plate D in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 4 will set the switch for the siding instead of for the main track.

IIO

From the bridle or bar 11 connecting the movable switch-points a b, there extends a locking-rod 19 preferably set transversely to the track and to the motion-plate. The lockin g-rod passes over said motion-plate and ru us in a box or guide Z2 set on the bed-plate D Upon the motion-plate are two lugs b and Z1 having difl'erent shapes or sections, as shown in Figs. 4, l and 1. Corresponding slots or perforations Z9 and Z9 are made transversely across the bar b and the perforations are of such forms that the lug 12 cannot pass into the slot 6 provided for the lug 5 nor can the lug Z2 pass into the slot 6 provided for the lug b For example, the lug I2 and its slot h are low and wide, while the lug b and its slot 19 are high and narrow. The slots for said lugs are set in the bar Z7 in different positions along the bar, so that when the motion-plate is in the position shown in Fig. 4 the lug Z2 is inserted through its slot 19 and thus locks the bar 12 and the movable switch-points in position for a clear main track; but when the motion-plate D is at the other limit'of its motion and the switch-- points are set for the siding the lug Z7 is inserted through its slot Z2 and the parts are locked in safe position fortaking a train upon the siding. The lengths of the straight end portions of the slot d in the motion-plate are such as to permit the lug 19 or 19 as the case may be, to be moved out of or into their respective slots or perforations in the bar Z9 while the switch-moving bar 79 is stationary, and thus the switch-points are unlocked before they can be moved and are locked immediately after they have been set. The effect of making the perforations in the bar 19 and .the lugs Z1 and h of different shapes, as described, is that if the motion-plate does not move the switch-points or does not move them completely the locking-lugs Z1 and Z2 on the plate cannot enter the slots in the bar, and a complete movement of the motion-plate is thus prevented, because the lugs will strike against the side of the bar I) and cannot pass through it, and the failure of the motion-plate to make its complete stro ke'will be discovered by the operator at the operating-station, as hereinafter explained. In the motion-plate D is another slot cl, having'a middle portion 61 in the lineof movement of the plate and end portions d 61 extending in opposite directions on either side of the slot and at oblique angles to the middle portion of the same. This slot is therefore of a form that may be called converse to the form of the switchmoving slot cl, for while it is the central portion of the slot cl that gives motion it is the end portions only of the slot d that doso. A pin d on a bar (1 sets in said slots d,whereby the bar is caused to move whenever the pin is in the angularly-disposed end portions .02 c1 of the slot, but is held stationary in the middle of its travel While the pin is in the central portion d of said slot. This slot d determines the movements of a valve E,

for inlet of air.

governing certain safety devices and signaling or locking devices at the operating-station or at any other suitable point. The movement of the motion-plate D and of the switch operates the valve E through the bar diwhich moves at right angles to the movement of the motion plate D, as just described. The straight portions d d of the slot d, whereby the switch is moved, correspond in the timing of the movements of the parts with the angular end portions d d of the slot d',w hich governs the valve E, and the setting of the valve E occurs while the angular portions of the slot at are acting upon the pin d the period of rest of the valve E being determined by the length of the straight middle portion (Z of the slot 61. The locking and unlocking of the bar b" by means of the lugs 19 and W occur while the switch is stationary, but while the valve E is being set The motion-plate D is connected to a detector-bar F, of any suitable construction, which is located in such proximity to the rails as to be acted on by a moving car or train. As long as a wheel of a train is upon said detector-bar the motion-plate cannot be moved. As a convenient method of connecting the detector-bar wit-h the motion-plate I provide a rod f, which is pivoted to the detector-bar at f and at its opposite end to a lever f pivoted in a suitable bracket upon a stationary base, such as a tie F. The other arm of the lever f is connected to the motion-plate by a rod f The detector-bar swings upward and then downward with each complete movement of the motion-plate and in its swing rises above the level of the top of the rail at all positions of the motion-plate, except its extreme positions, in a manner well known.

The cylinder 0, heretofore referred to, is connected by pipes y with valves 0 0 (Shown more clearly in Figs. 6 to 11.) The inlet-pipes 'y g connect these valves to a common supply-pipe Y, communicating with the principal air-main Y, whereby air-pressure from the reservoir R is admitted to one end or the other of the cylinder for producing motion of the piston and of the motion-plate D, according as one valve or the other is opened In order to operate one valve or the other, as may be necessary, air-pipes n n communicate with valves 0 0 respectively. The two valves are identical, and each consists of a bed-plate 0 and an upper plate 0 between which is a cavity and across the cavity is set a flexible diaphragm e separating the cavity 0 into two chambers. In to the chamber under the diaphragm the pipe '11 or u is led, and it is obvious that pressure/of air in either of the pipes must bend the flexible diaphragm and raise it. The chamber above the diaphragm is constantly open to the air through the port or passage c. The center of the diaphragm, as shown in the drawings, bears a supportingpiece 0 of suitable material, and this supporting-piece rests upon or is fastened to a valve-stem 0 The stem c passes through the upper plate 0 and carries a valve-head c", which is a piston that slides in a cylindrical'valve-casing 0 to open or close an exhaust-port 0 (Shown in dotted lines in Fig. 7.) When the valve-piston is raised to the full limit of its movement, it closes the port 0 as shown in Fig. 8, and rests against a Valve-seat 0 which may be provided with packing, if desired. The stem 0 continues upward through the valve-cavity 0, and the casing at or about its middle is provided with the outlet-port 0 connecting with the pipe 31 The upper end of the stem 0 bears another valve-piston 0 which slides in the casing and when in the lower position rests against a valve-seat 0 which may be packed, and closes an inlet-port 0 When the valvepiston 0 is raised, it opens said port 0 and admits air into the. interior valve-cavity c" from the branch inlet-pipe 11 through the outlet-port 0 and pipe 1 with one end of the cylinder, whereby motion of the piston is produced. In the upper part of the valve-casing c is a spring c flwhich tends to press the valve downward and to retain the parts in the positionshown in Fig. '7 whenever there is a reduced air-pressure in the pipe 11 or 12 The pipe Y, as above stated, is in open communication With the reservoir R by the principal airmain Y, and the admission of air-pressure into the pipe 71 or n is controlled by suitable devices at the operating-station, to be hereinafter described. parts are in the position shown in Fig. 7, and the air-pressure to the cylinder 0 is cut oft from the supply-pipe Y by the closing of the port 0 The valves 0 0 leading to opposite ends, respectively, of the cylinder, are normally open to the exhaust through the port 0 so that when either valve is operated, so as to shut off its exhaust and admit air-pressure to its end of the cylinder, free movement of the piston may occur by reason of the other end of the cylinder being connected to the open exhaust of the opposite valve. If air,- pressure be admitted to the pipe n or n by means of suitable controlling devices at the operating-station, the diaphragm controlled by said pipe rises and the valves 0 and 0 are moved into the positions shown'in Fig. 8, and thus air-pressure is admitted from the pipe Y into the cylinder. The same movement of the valves 0 and c cuts off the eX- haust-port 0 and compresses the spring 0 The piston now moves to the opposite end of the cylinder from which it started, driving the motion-plate, unlocking the locking-bar b throwing the switch-points, and when the extreme limit of movement of the piston has occurred relocking said bar. The latter part of the same movement operates the valve E and transmits an air-pressure for signaling and for other purposes back to the operatingstation. As soon as the air-pressure in the pipe at or n is relieved the spring 0 assisted by air-pressure from the inlet, moves In their normal condition the' the valves 0 and 0 back to their original positions, cutting off the inlet-port 0 and opening the cylinder 0 through the pipe 11 to the exhaust 0 in the valve.

The valves 4, c, and c are alike in their general construction, the valve 4, however, being operated without air-pressure, while the valves 0 and c? are operated by air-pressure. In the upper part of the valve-casing in each of these valves is a chamber 21, extending downward in an annular chamber 22, which latter chamber surrounds and forms the comparatively-thin cylinder 23 for the upper valve 5 or The inlet-port 9 or 0 leads through the Wall of this cylinder 23. Hence the air-inlet pipe 8 or y or 3 as the case may be, always communicates with the chambers 21 and 22. The bottom of the chamber 22 has a downward extension 24: within the valve-casing, (see Figs. 8 and 11,)

which may have an outlet closed by the plug 25. If water of condensation collects in the chambers 21 and 22, it runs into the passage 24 and may be drawn olf or blown out by removing the plug 25. In case the outside air is colder than the air in the valve-casing moisture condenses upon the inner Wall of the valve-casing, but does not condense on the inner surface of the cylinder 23, because the air in the valvecasing maintains the inner and outer surfaces of the relatively-thin cylinder at substantially the same temperature. Hence in frosty or freezing weather there is no accumulation of ice-crystals or of ice Within the cylinder that might impede the movements of the piston. If any water should have dripped on the upper pistonvalve in the cylinder, it will, when the piston rises to its uppermost position, be discharged over the upper edge of the cylinder into the chamber 22 and be conducted by the extension 24 to the outlet, because the upper piston is so set that its upper face rises to the level of the upper edge of the cylinder.

The valve E at the switch is shown in Figs. 12 to 18, and consists of a casing 6, set upon a suitable stationary support and preferably upon the same support as the bed-plate D of the cylinder 0 and the motion-plate D in order that the relative positions of these parts may not be disturbed in ordinary use. The valve-seat has a port which communicates with the branch pipe 3 of the main Y and has two outlet-pipes m m. The pressurepipe Y is connected by forked passages with two inlet-ports e c in the face of the valveseat. The pipe m is connected by an independent passage with a port 6 and the pipe m is connected with a port e by a passage of its own, both of said ports being in the face of the valve-seat. In the middle of the valveseat is a long port a which communicates with an exhaust-pipe 6 (See Figs. 1 1 and 18.) The ports 6 e 6", and e are arranged substantially at corners of a rectangle, and the port 6 is arranged longitudinally between the ports 6 e on one side and the ports 0 and. e

on the other side. The slide-valve 6 slides upon the valve-seat and is held down by the pressure of a spring e having on its ends rollers e, which roll upon the back of the slide-valve. The spring is held in place and is adjusted as to tension by a screw 6, passing through the valve-casing e. The slide-valve is of peculiar form and has in it six ports arranged as shown in Figs. and 16 and connected as shown in dotted lines in said figures. The valve-ports are normally in the positions shown in Figs. 12, 13, and 18. In the face of the slide-valve is a port a, adapted to register with the inlet-ports e e of the valve-seat.

The port a is connected by an arched passage e in the body of the slide-valve (shown in Fig. 17) with a port e which is in a position to be moved to register with either of the ports 6 or a On the side of the ports 6 and e" in the slide-valve are two ports e and e in line with the port 6 and which are thus adapted, in the motion of the slide-valve e, to register with the ports 6 or e as the case may be. The port 6 is of substantially the same area as either of the ports 6 or 6 but the ports a" and e aresubstan tiallytwice as large in area as the ports 6 or 6 The distances separatingthe ports e" and e from the port e are such that when the port e registers with the port 6 the port 6 registers with the port e at about the middle point of thelatter and when the port e registers with the port e the port e registers with the port e The ports e and e are connected with the ports and e re spectively, by arched passages e and a in the body of the slide-valve e The ports e and e are adapted to register with the exhaustport a at all times and are connected with each other by a slot 6 in the face of the valve, as shown in Fig. 18. If when the valve is in the position shown in Fig. 12 the switch be moved, the bar (1" moves the slide-valve, so that the port (5 is cut oif by that portion of the face of the valve-seat between the ports 6 c and at the same time both ports 6 and e are connected with the exhaust, thus exhausting the air from the pipes m and m. When the switch has been fully thrown, the port 6 registers with the port e and the valve connects the ports e and e, thus throwing an air-pressure from the pipe Y into the exhausted pipe in In this last position of the parts the port 6 is connected with the exhaust e and remains fully exhaustedybut the airpressure continues from the pipe Y into the pipe m as long as the parts remain in the position last described. In this wayanimpulse by means of compressed air is carried from the :reservoir through the pipe Y and the pipe m back to the operating-station, indicating to the operator at that point that the switch has been thrown. of the parts has occurred which has prevented a proper movement of the switch and the locking of the same in its thrown position, no impulse occurs,because the throw of the valve and the position of the ports is such that the If, however, any failure.

impulse occurs only at the end of the stroke of the motion-plate and after the locking-lugs on the motion-plate have begun to enter the slots in the locking-bar b When the slidevalve 6 is returned again to the position shown in Figs. 12 to 18, the first movement causes the pipe m to be exhausted, and then the pipe m is connected with the supply pipe Y and receives air-pressure therefrom, whereupon the parts are in position for a new operation.

In the operating-station (which may be at a considerable distance from the semaphore or switch) is an interlocking board, a portion of which (if of the usual Saxby and Farmer form) is shown in Fig. 27, provided with the usual tappets T T and locking-bars L. Interlocking devices are so well known that it is unnecessary to describe them further; but they are essential features in my complete system in order to compel operation of the n'le chanismsin a prescribed order. In the drawings only one pair of tappets is shown, one of which, T, is operated by the signaloperating device, and the other, T, is operated by the switch-operating device. These operating devices are identical in many respects and are composed, in the switch-operating device, of a sliding bar M, having a handle'M The bar slides in guides M properly supported on a table Z, and through the operating-bar M in a suitable position is cut a slot m, in which rests a roller 13, set in the forked end 15 of the tappet T. The slot m has three portions, numbered 1, 2, and 3, (see Fig. 22,) each of which has sides parallel to the line of movement of the bar. These parallel portions of the slot are connected by diagonal portions, (marked 4 and 5 in said Fig. 22.) Said portions 1, 2, and 3 are on successively-lower levels, as shown. If now the bar M is moved in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 22 or Fig. 26, it-is obvious that the action of the bar through the rollert will not be such as to move the tappet T while the roller is in the portions 1, 2, or 3, but that the tappet T will be raised when the rolleris in either of the portions 4 or 5 and will be lowered when in the same portions if the movement of the bar is opposite to that of the arrow. The

purpose of the straight portions 1 and 3 of the slot m is to prevent the weight of the tappet from having any tendency to move the operating-bar at the ends of its stroke. The straight portion 2 has the same purpose, but is also made long enough to permit a longitudinal movement of the operating-bar sufficient to allow the valve N to connect the inlet Y with either one pipe 0t or 71. thus providing for an incomplete movement of the tappet until a proper port connection is made. The slot m for the tappet-roller in the signal-operating bar M (see Fig. 22") is shorter than the slot 171 in the switch-operatingbarM.

It has an end portion 10, a middle portion 20,

and an end portion 30, all parallel with the line of movement of the bar and at successive levels, and when the roller is in either of these straight portions the tappet is supported therein without tendency to move the bar.

These straight portions are connected bydiagonal portions 40 and 50,which act on the roller to move the tappet-bar. The stroke of the signal-valve N is less than that of the switchvalve N, because the signal-valve is only moved sufficiently forward to make the necessary port connections to operate the cylinder one way and is not moved forward farther, as the switch-valve is, in order to close the inlet. The operating-bars M and M are connected by links N with slide-valves N N, which rest upon valve-seats N These valves are substantially identical with the valve at the switch above described, and shown in Figs. 12 to 18, except that their proportions and throw are somewhat different and no casing is necessary, because they are not exposed to the weather. The valve N, relating to the switch, is adapted to pass the ports in such a manner that at each end of its stroke the inlet-port is cut off and both outlet-ports are open to the exhaust. The valve N, relating to a signal, is adapted in its normal position of rest to cut oft the inlet and to connect both outlets to the exhaust; but on its forward stroke for setting the semaphore to safety the inlet-port is connected with an outlet-port, and the valve cannot pass this position. The pipe connections in the valves in the operating-station are slightly different from those at the switch. In Figs. 28 to 3% is shown one of these valves in the operatingstation. The valve-seat N has a pair of ports n n connected by a forked passage n with the inlet-pipe Y or 1, and two outlet-ports n 01 connected, respectively, with the outlet-pipes n and 11 The ports n and n are opposite each other, and the ports 97, and n are opposite each other, and the pairs of ports 77, n and n n arerespectively on opposite sides of the middle longitudinal line of the valve-seat. In the middle of the valveseat and longitudinally arranged therein is a long exhaust-port a which communicates freely with the atmosphere through an opening a The slide-valve N has a pair of ports 42 n on opposite sides of its middle line,

which are adapted to connect the inlet-port n with the outlet-port n or the inlet-port n with the outlet-port n by means of a transverse arched passage n in the body of the slide-valve. On either side of the port a, toward the ends of the slide-valve, run large ports n 02 which are connected by arched passages n n in the body of the slide-valve with a long exhaust-port n extending in the middle line of the slide-valve, so that the port at is on one side thereof and the ports a n, and n are on the other side thereof. Each of said exhaust-ports is adapted to register with both of the outlet-ports n n at the same time. The exhaust-ports are also so arranged that when the ports 12 it connect the inlet Y with one outlet-port,

as 12, an exhaust-port, as W, is connected with the outlet-port. The face of the valve extends beyond the ports n n The operation of the valve is as follows: Ordinarily it stands in the position shown in Figs. 28, 30, and 31, with its handle pushed in to the extreme position, as shown in Figs. and 26. In this position the exhaust-port n registers with both of the outlet-ports n and n in the face of the valve-seat, and the pipes 12 n are freely connected with the exhaust-port a but a solid portion of the face .of the slide-valve covers the inletports n at.

If the handle attached to said valveis pulled, mechanisms cooperating therewith are so arranged that the ports n it may pass over the ports n and n and connect the ports 01 and 91 thus conducting an air-pressure from the inlet-pipe Y" into the outlet-pipe 11 The port 97, now connects the pipe 01 with the exhaust. Stopping devices, hereinafter described, permit this movement across the pair of ports 02 n and stop the slide-valve in position to connect the pair of ports 01 and 97, This is the full forward stroke in the case of a signal-operating valve, as N of Fig. 35; but in the case of a switch-operating valve the handle and slide-valve are capable of still further movement from the position last described in the direction of the arrow in Figs. 28, 30, and 31, and after the stopping or locking device has been released in the manner to be described the valve must be pulled still farther forward in the direction of the arrow until it rests in the position shown in the dotted lines farthest to the right in Fig. 31. In this position the outlet-pipes 'n and n are open to the exhaust through the port n and the inlet-ports n and n are closed by a solid portion of the face of the slide valve. On the return movement of both valves (signal and switch) the first movement of the valve causes the ports 11 and n to pass the ports n and n and connects the ports 11 and n by means of the passage 11, the slide valve having passed directly from the extreme forward position to a position producing this connection. The exhaust-port it now registers with the port 07. and exhausts the pipe 11 This connection permits air-pressure from the inlet-pipe Y to pass into the pipe n, and the parts are stopped and locked in this position, as hereinafter described, until the switch has been moved or reset or the signal has been reset, whereupon the lock is released and the slide-valve may be moved back to the initial position.

In the case of the switch-valve the locking mechanisms prevent movement of the valve in either direction when a connection is made from-an inlet-port to an outlet-port until an indication has returned from the switch showing that it has been fully thrown by the airpressure produced by the port connections. In the case of the signal-valve the locking occurs during the return movement of the valve at the point where the ports 12 and 9t are connected until a return indication is received from the semaphore, showing that the semaphore has been reset to danger, whereupon the valve may be returned to its initial position.

A spring N provided at its ends with rollers n, is adj ustably supported over each slide-valve and the rollers press on the back of the valve to hold it on its seat. The spring is supported and is adj nsted for pressure against the valve by a set-screw n carried by a stationary frame-piece or, supported on the same table Z which bears the valves N and N. Each slide-valve is conveniently connected to its operating-bar M or M by a link N These details while at present my preferred form may of course like many other details or constructions in my switch and signal devices be varied to suit the requirements of particular cases or the convenience or taste of the constructor.

The mechanisms whereby the indications and the lockings just mentioned are produced are now to be described.

The operating-bars M and M relate to the slidevalves for controlling the semaphore and the switch, respectively, and are provided with indicating and locking devices operated, respectively, by the valve 4 at the semaphore and by the valve E at the switch. These operating-bars and the devices immediately connected therewith are shown in Figs. 19 to 24, both inclusive.

In the case'of the signal only one looking and signaling device is employed, but with the switch two are employed, for the reason that with a signal it is necessary for the operator to know only that the signal is reset to danger; but with a switch the operator must know that the switch is set to either one of its positions. The operation of the switch mechanisms is such that when the operatingbar has been partially pulled-say to about half of its stroke in either direction-it is locked against further movement sufficient to reverse the port connections, and thus to change the movements of the switch until an impulse is received from the switch through the air-pipes, which releases the locking device and also displays a visual signal to the operator when the lock has been released, whereupon the bar may be moved for the remainder of its stroke. In order to produce this result, a particular mechanism, which is the present embodiment of my invention,will now be described, first, as applied to a switch operating bar and then as applied to a signaloperating bar.

The switch-operating bar M is cut away along one of-its top edges by the groove on. This groove has in it a wedge-like lockingpoint on, having an inclined face on on the side of the outward movement of the operatingbar and an abrupt or rectangular face an on its other side. The groove on ends in an inclined face 121 substantially parallel to the face m-, leading from the bottom of the groove m to the side of the operating-bar. The other top edge of the operating-bar has a groove mifl'provided with an abrupt shoulder mi at its frontend. The width from the upper edge of the groove m to the opposite edge of the bar lll is the same as the width from the upper edge of the groove mi to the opposite upper edge of the operating-bar. The shoulder m of the groove m is slightly forward from the position of the wedge m in the groove m The upper edge of the bar rests in a slotted rod 777, having in its lower side a slotm, wide enough to fit upon the narrowed portions of the upper edge of the bar. The rod or is attached to a flexible diaphragm m, which is fixed in a casing m, so that said diaphragm may vibrate within said casing. The rod m slides in a housing m, which may, as shown, be continuous with the casing m and through the end of said housing there projects a pin in in continuation of the rod on whenever the diaphragm is moved toward the right in Fig. 21. A pipe m leads from the valve E through an inlet m into the casing an on the side of the diaphragm opposite to the side thereof that is attached to the rod m Airpressure in the pipe m which is introduced through the valve E when the switch is being reset, moves the diaphragm and the rod or toward the right in Fig. 21, provided the rod is free to move into the groove m The normal position of the parts of the locking and indicating valve M1 is such that the rod rests across the upper edge of the bar M and in the forward end of the groove m The pin m projects from the housing and shows that the rod 021 and its diaphragm are in the proper positions. The locking and indicating valve M engages the under side of the operatingbar M, which is provided with a groove m (see Fig. 24,) in which there is a latching and locking wedge m having its abrupt shoulder facing in the opposite direction to that of the wedgem and toward the front end of the operating-bar, and said groove ends in the sloping face m leading to the side face of the operating-bar and in front of the wedge. This groove 971 is directly underneath the groove m The other lower edge of the bar has a groove on having the abrupt or rectangular ends m and on. The groove on extends farther forward than the groove 077, and said groove m extends backward along the bar so far as to pass the position of the wedge m The latching device M is similar in all respects to the latching device M and has a slotted rod m a pin m a diaphragm m a housing 071 and a casing m and is connected to the air pipe m by the inlet m but said latching device M acts upon the lower edge of the bar M and oppositely to the latching device M and the two latching devices act alternately. From this description it will be seen that the groove m with its wedge m is upon the edge of the rod M diagonally opposite to the edge which has the groove on and latching-wedge on, and that said latchingwedges on and m are directed in opposite directions. The groove m on the upper edge of the bar M is on the diagonallyopposite edge of the operating-bar from the edge which has the groove on In the normal position of the parts,as shown in Figs. 19 and 25, the rod on of the valve M rests in the forward part of the groove on and against the opposite side face of the operating-bar M, while the slotted rod 117, of the valve M rests in the groove m but does not extend into the groove m (See Fig. If the rod M is pulled in the direction of the arrows in Figs. 19, 20, and 24, the bar can be moved until the face an of the groove m strikes the pin m of the latching device or valve M whereupon the bar is stopped and cannot move farther. The same motion pulls the wedge m of the groove 1% through the slot in the rod m and because a portion of the groove on is opposite to said wedge the rod is moved by the wedge m in the direction opposite to the arrow marked 20 in Fig. 19; but because air-pressure continues in the casing, tending to force the rod outward, the air-pressure acts as a spring, which causes the rod to spring into the groove m behind the Wedge m. In this position the rod is locked against further movement in either direction, because the pin m of the valve M rests in front of the face m while the pin on of the valve M rests behind the face of the Wedge m This position of the operating-bar causes a connection through the slide-valve N between the inlet Y and the outlet n ,transmitting an air impulse to the valve 0 and causing a movement of the motion-plate D, which sets the switch for the siding. This movement of the motion-plate sets the valve E and transmits an airpressure from the supplypipe Y through the pipe m to the latching device or valve M and at the same time opens the pipe m to the exhaust. The air-pressure in the latching device M moves the pin m out of the groove m and into the groove m while the removal of air-pressure from the latching device M does not move it. Upon further movement of the bar M to the limit of its outward stroke the angular face 017. comes in contact with the pin on of the latching device M and moves the pin into the groove 012 but in a position to be free from the action of the wedge m if the mo tion of the bar should be reversed. The bar is stopped by the end of the slot 771. meeting the roller t of the tappet T, and in this position of the bar the valve N has been moved to open the pipes n n to the exhaust and to cut off the inlet-pipe Y. On the return stroke of the bar it may be moved until the face 017, of the groove m strikes the pin on of the latching device M (thus passing the wedge m and this movement brings the wedge m in contact with the pin m of the latching device M and said wedge passes through the pin, which on account of the airprcssure in the latching device M immediately snaps back into position in front of the wedge m. In this position of the parts the operating-bar M is locked against either forward or backward movement by the action of the shoulder m on the pin m and the action of the abrupt face of the wedge m on the pin m The same movement of the bar connects the inlet Y through the slide-valve N, with the pipe n and the pipe 77. is opened to the exhaust. These slide-valve connections operate to introduce air through the valve 0 to the switch-cylinder,and as the motion-plate is thrown back to its initial position for resetting the switch for the main track the position of the valve E is changed, so that the supply-pipe Y is connected to the pipe m while the pipe m is opened to the exhaust, and thus an air-pressure is introduced into the latching device M and exhausted from the latching device M Pressure in M forces the pin 171 out of engagement with the shoulder or face m and into the groove m in front of the wedge M and as there is no pressure in the latching device M at this time upon further return movement of the bar M the pin on of the latching device M is moved to its initial position by the action of the inclined face m and rests in the groove m Thus the bar M is relieved from the locking action of both the latching devices in order to permit it to be moved back to its original position, cutting oh? the supply-pipe Y" and opening both of the outlet-pipes n and n to the exhaust, leaving the parts in a position ready for a new operation.

Whenever an air-pressure is transmitted into one of the latching devices, it forces its pin against the bar It and produces an audible click. This click is the audible signal or means for indicating the return of the valve to one of its locking positions, and this occurs as soon as the switch is either set or reset, as the case maybe. Consequently these devices are both latching and indicating devices. The projection of the pins M or 071 from their housings m or 112 constitutes a visible indicator whereby the operator may know the position of the diaphragm and the corresponding position of the switch.

In the signal-operating devices the latching and indicating device M is omitted and the same upper latching and indicating device, as M is employed, but with a slight modification, as follows: The bar M is provided on its upper edge, adjacent to the casing of the valve M with a groove m having in it a wedge 'm and terminating in the inclined face an, and the other upper edge of the bar M has the groove m having the shoulder M (See Figs. 22* and 25.) The upper edge of the bar M is therefore like the upper edge of the bar M; but as no lower latching device M is employed it will be obvious that the bar M may be pulled outward to the full limit of its stroke without interruption, and hence in the case of a signal this full limit of its outward pull connects the inlet Y with the pipe n, transmitting an air impulse which causes the admission of air to the cylinder 15 of the semaphore and the setting of the semaphore to safety, cutting off the air-inlet to the pipe X, leading to the latching device M and exhaustingsaid pipe X. This exhaustion of the air does not occur until after the wedge W. has passed through the slot in the pin and the inclined face m has forced the pin out of the slot m and into the slot m Hence the bar M cannot be returned to its initial position until after the semaphore has been operated. In returning the bar M the pin is in the path of the shoulder m and thus stops the return movement of the bar M until the pin is released from said shoulder. The engagement of the shoulder m with the pin stops the valve N in the position which opens the pipe at to the exhaust, connects the supply-pipe Y with the pipe n and causes the transmission of an operative air-pressure to the valve 20, opens the pipe 19 to the exhaust, which opens the cylinder-pipe 16 to the eXhaust,and permits the counterweighted semaphore-arm S to return to initial position. The semaphore-arm at the end of its stroke tilts the lever 2, moves the valve 4, connects the pipe X with the supply Y and produces air-pressure in the latching and signaling device M This moves the pin of said latching and signaling device out of the groove m and into the groove m on the opposite edge of the bar, whereupon the operating-bar M may be moved to return the valve N to its initial position, cutting oi the air-inlet Y and opening both of the pipes at and n to the eX- haust.

In the signal device, just as in the switch device, the stroke of the pin in the latching device M against the operating-bar M is an audible indicator, and the projection of the end of the pin from its housing and its retraction thereinto constitute a visible indicator. The effects of these movements are as follows: In the switchmoving mechanism the first outward movement of the operatingbar is such as to connect the air-pipes for operation of the switch and to lock the opcrating-bar against any movement until the switch has been thrown. One of the locks remains in position to prevent a return movement of the bar until its outward movement has reached its limit, when the bar can make a return stroke. Upon the return stroke the bar is locked against movement in either direction in a position which connects the airpipes for throwing the switch, and it is retained in this position until the switch has been reset, and then only can the bar be returned to its original position, although it is still locked against an outward movement until so returned. These devices therefore 'compel a complete cycle of movements of the In the signal device the outward movement of the bar is such as to set the semaphore to safety, whereby the bar is latched against return movementulntil the semaphore-arm has moved. Thereupon the bar may be moved backward, but is stopped in its course until the semaphore-arm is returned to danger, whereupon the backward movement of'tlie operating-arm may be continued to its original position. In this case also the stop-andlook cycle of movements is controlled by the latching device.

Now taking into account the interlocking device which connects the operating-bars of the related switch and semaphore it will be clear that until the switch has been fully thrown and its operating-bar has been pulled outward to its extreme position and the switch and its operating mechanism have been locked in place the signal-operating bar cannot be moved. After the switch-operating mechanism is in such position as to permit the signaloperating bar to be pulled the signal can be set.

After the signal-operating bar has been pulled it can be returned to its initial position only after the signal has been reset to danger, and the signal-operating bar must be returned to itsinitial position before the switchoperating bar can be moved to reset or operate the switch, or, in other words, the signal must be atits normal position of danger in order that its related switch may be moved. The signal-operating bar is also looked in its normal position of rest until the switch-operating bar has been fully returned to its original position. Thus my device necessitates a complete cycle of movements as between a switch and its related signal.

In Fig. 35 is shown a complete switch and signal system embodying my invention. A reservoir R contains air compressed to the proper degree and is in open communication with a principal air-main Y, having branches Y Y*,leading to the valves N N at the operating-station which govern, respectively, the transmission of airpressure to the semaphore and to the switch-moving device. Abranch Y from the .principal air-main runs to the semaphore, a branch Y runs to the switchmoving device, and a branch Y runs to the indicating-valve at the switch. The branch Y runs to the inlet-valve 17 for the semaphore-cylinder 15 and said valve 17 controls the'admission of air to the pipe 16, leading to said semaphore-cylinder. From the valve N at the operating-station run 'two pipes n and n, the latter of which passes. into the valve 20 and continues to the valve 17 by the pipe 19. The valve 20 controls the action of the valve 17 by the increase or reduction of pneumatic pressure. The operation of these parts is the same as shown in my application, Serial No. 656,856, above mentioned, but is here repeated in general terms for clearness.

If the signal-bar M is pulled to the limit of its forward stroke in the direction of the arrow in Fig. 35, connection through the valve N is made with the reservoir through the pipes Y and n. The air under pressure passes freely through the valve 20 and into the pipe 19, operating the valve 17 and connecting the supply-pipe Y through the pipe 16 with the semaphore-cylinder 15. This sets the semaphore-cylinder to safety and permits the lever 2 to tilt,which closes the valve 4. As the valve 4 has heretofore been open and has connected the supply-pipe Y with the pipe X, the air in the pipe X has been under pressure and has held the indicator and latch M relating to the signal-operating bar M in operative position as a lock, but when the lever 2 has tilted the valve 4 moves and closes the inlet-pipe 8 and opens the pipe X to the exhaust. This operation brings the indicator and latch M into latching position, and the operating-bar M cannot be moved backward to its initial position until the latch is relieved. It, now, the signal-bar is moved back to the latching-point, that operation connects the inlet-pipe Y with the pipe n which admits air-pressure into the last-mentioned pipe and operates the valve 20, shutting off the inlet n to said valve and connecting the pipe 19 to the exhaust. This permits the valve 17 to move back to its initial position and connects the pipe 16 to the exhaust, which at the same time cuts off the air-pressure from the supply-pipe Y whereupon the semaphore S may return to its initial position, and upon such return the semaphore strikes the lever 2, operating the valve 4, connecting it again with the inlet Y through the pipe 8 and restablishing pressure in the pipe X, which operates the indicator and latch M and releases the operating-bar M. As soon as this unlocking operation has occurred the valve N maybe pushed back to its initial position, which cuts off the inlet Y and opens both pipes n and n to the exhaust, relieving the pressure upon the valve 20 and allowingit to return to its initial position. Thereupon the semaphore and its related devices are in position for a new operation. The valve N relating to the switch has an inlet-pipe Y and outlet-pipes n and n, which lead, respectively, to the valves 0 c, controlling the operation of the switch-cylinder O. The operating-bar M relating to the switch is controlled by the locking and indicating devices M M, and from said locking and indicating devices, respectively, the pipes m and m run to the indicating-valve E at the switch.

The operation of the switch-actuating devices is as follows: When the switch-operating bar M is pulled, it can be pulled only part way, whereupon it is stopped by the indicating and locking device M in a position which, through the valve N, connects the inlet Y with the pipe 02 and pressure in this pipe operates the valve 0 which connects the supply-pipe Y through the pipe "g with one end of the cylinder and causes a throw of the switch and of the switch-indicating valve E. In the normal position of rest of the switch- 07. and in this position the bar is locked against movement in either direction by cooperation of the locks M and M When the inlet of air to the switch cylinder C through the valve 0 and pipe 3 has thrown the switch to its fully-operated position, the pipe m is connected to the exhaust through the valve E and the pipe m is connected with the supply Y In this position air'pressure is put upon the lock M and is cut off from the lock M whereupon the switch-operating bar M may be pulled outward to its extreme position. As above described, this extreme position of the valve N connects the pipes n and n with the exhaust, thus cutting off the air-pressure through the pipe 72 upon the valve 0 This position produces no effect upon the cylinder 0 and the switch remains in its set position. It, now, it is desired to return the switch to its original position, the switch-operating bar M is pushed inward, but is stopped at a midway position by the lock M and is locked against move ment in either direction by cooperation of the locks M and M. In this position the valve N connects the inlet Y with the pipe n, which conveys airpressure to the valve 0 and opens said valve, thus connecting the cylinder with the supply-pipe Y through the pipe y gwhereupon the cylinder is moved and the switch is reset to its former position. The motion of the switch in being reset moves the valve E back to its original position, opening the pipe m to the exhaust, introducing pressure in the pipe m and releasing the lock M from the operating-bar M, whereupon the operating-bar M may be returned to its initial position, cutting off the air-supply to the pipe n and opening both the pipes '12 and n to the exhaust, thus relieving the valves 0 e from pressure and cutting off the air-supply to both ends of the cylinder.

After these operations have occurred all the parts are in their original positions and ready for a new operation.

As above explained and shown in Fig. 27, the action of the operating-bars M M is controlled by the interlocking mechanism. The slots in the operating-bars which operate the tappets T and T are of such total length as to produce a stroke of said tappets sufficient to permit the locking and unlocking movements of the bars L. For-instance, upon actuating the switch-handle M the partial stroke of said handle and of its operating-bar M is insufficient to raise the tappet T high enough to permit the dog Z on the lockingbar L to enter its notch T in the tappet T,

and consequently the tappet T of the related signal device cannot be raised, nor can the handle M of the signal-operating mechanism be moved; but when the lock M is released the operating-bar M can be pulled outward to its extreme position, and the tappet T' is then raised, so that the notch 25 stands op posit-e the dog Z, and the bar L can be moved by the action of the notch 25 in the tappet T upon the dog Z on the locking-bar L. As long as the parts of the interlocking mechanism stand with the dog Z in the notch Z and the tappet T raised, so that the dog Z rests against the edge of the tappet and not opposite to the notch 25, it will be impossible to move the switch-operating bar M until the signal-operating bar M is pushed inward to its normal position and its tappet T is returned to the position shown in Fig. 27. The lock M prevents the f ull return of the operating-bar M until the semaphore S has returned to the danger position, whereupon the bar M is unlocked and may he returned to its initial position, thus moving the tappet T downward until its notch t is opposite to the dog Z. The operating-bar M may now, and not until these operations have occurred, be moved back to its original position, forcing the dog Z into the notch 25,- whereby all the parts are brought again to their initial positions. c

Having thus described the invention, what I claim is 1. In a switch-operating apparatus, a cylinder and piston for throwing the switch, said cylinder havingtwo operating-ports, a supply-main, a separate motor-valve controlling each port to admit air to said cylinder from said main and to exhaust air from said cylinder, a controlling-pipe for operating'each motor-valve, and means for producing pressure in said controlling-pipes alternately and for reducing the pressure in both controllingpipes simultaneously.

2. In a switch-operating apparatus, a cylinder and piston forthrowing the switch, said cylinder having two operating-ports, a supply-main, a separate motor-valve controlling each port to admit air to said cylinder from said main and to exhaust'air from said cylinder, a controllingspipe for operating each motor-valve, and means for producing pressure in said controlling-pipes alternately and for exhausting both controlling-pipes simultaneously.'

3. In a switch-operating apparatus, a cylinder and piston for throwing the switch, said cylinder having two operating-ports, a supply-main, a separate motor-valve controlling each port to admit air to said cylinder from said main and to exhaust air from said cylinder, a controlling-pipe for operating each motor-valve, and means for producing pressure in said controlling-pipes alternately and for reducing the pressure in both controllingpipes simultaneously, a valve operated by the movements of said piston and connected with said supply-main, signal-pipes leading from said valve for operating indicating mechanism for the lever at the operating-station, said. indicating mechanism, and ports in said valve at the switch which at mid-stroke in either direction opens both signal-pipes to exhaust and at each end of its stroke produces pressure in one signalpipe and exhausts the other and vice versa.

4. In a switch-operating apparatus, a cylinder and piston for throwing the switch, said cylinder having two operating-ports, a supply-main, a separate motor-valve controlling each port to admit air to said cylinder from said main and to exhaust air from said cylinder, a controlling-pipe for operating each motor-valve, and means for producing pressure in said controlling-pipes alternately for exhausting both controlling-pipes simultaneously, a valve operated by the movements of said piston and connected with said supplymain, pipes leading from said valve for operating a locking mechanism for the lever at the operating-station, said locking mechanism, and ports in said valve at the switch which at mid-stroke in either direction opens both signal-pipes to exhaust and at the two ends of its stroke produces pressure in one signal-pipe and exhausts the other and vice versa.

- 5. In a switch-operating and return-signaling device, a switch, a pneumatic supplymain, a valve controlling said supply-main, pipes connecting said valve with signaling apparatus at the operating-station, a motor, a main plate operated by said motor and having a slot-and-pin connection with the switch and a slot-and-pin connection with said valve, the slots being of such form as to produce converse movements of the switch and valve.

' G. The combination of a switch and its operatingcylinder and piston, a motor-valve for controlling the movement of said piston in each direction, a pneumatic supply-main, an operating-valve for controlling both of said motor-valves, a controlling-pipe from said operating-valve to each motor-valve, said operat-in g-valve being adapted to produce pressure or exhaust alternately in said controllingpipes and to reduce the pressure in bot-l1 controlling-pipes simultaneously.

7. The combination of a movable semaphore, a pneumatic motor for setting the same in safety position, an operatingbar at the operating-station for controlling the motor, a pneumatic locking device for the operatingbar, a valve at the semaphore operated by the movements of the semaphore-arm, and direct pneumatic connections between said valve and said locking devices, said locking devices being operated to lock said bar upon exhaustion of the air from said pneumatic connections and to unlock said bar when the semaphore has returned to danger position and has operated said valve to produce pressure in said pneumatic connections.

8. In a switch-operatin g apparatus, a pneumatic motor for throwing the switch, an operating-bar at the operating-station adapted to control the movements of said motor, a valve at the switch operated by the movements of the switch, a locking device for said operating-bar, direct pneumatic connections between said valve and said locking devices, said valve being adapted to release said looking devices alternately by pressure in said pneumatic connections when the valve is at the end of its stroke, and to set said locking devices when the valve is at its mid-stroke by exhausting said pneumatic connections.

9. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination of an actuating-plate for moving the switch, a valve-operatingrod for transmitting a signal indicating the position of the switch, the plate having two slots, the first slot having end portions parallel with the movement of the actuating-plate and a diagonal central portion, and the second slot hav ing diagonal end portions set in parallel planes and the straight central portion parallel with the movement of the plate, a switchoperat-ing rod cooperating with the first slot and a valve-operating rod cooperating with the second slot, whereby, in a movement of the actuating-plate in either direction the valve is partly set before the switch begins to move, the switch is moved while the valve is stationary, and the stroke of the valve is finished after the switch has been fully moved. 10. In a switch-operating mechanism, the combination of an actuating-plate for moving the switch, a valve-operating rod for transmitting a signal indicating the position of the switch, the plate having two slots the first slot having end portions parallel with the movement of the actuating-plate and a diagonal central portion, and the second slot having the diagonal end portions set' in parallel planes and the straight central portion in the line of movement of the plate, the switch-operating rod cooperating with the first slot and the valve-operating rod cooperating with the second slot, a pair of lugs upon said actuating-plate and a locking-bar connected with the switch having slots in which said lugs engage at the ends of the stroke of said actuating-plate, whereby, in the movements of the actuating-plate in either direction the locking-bar is released and the valve is partly set before the switch begins to move, the switch is moved while the valve is stationary and the stroke of the valve is finished and the bar is locked after the switch has been fully moved.

11. In a pneumatic switch-operating apparatus, a cylinder, a piston for throwing the switch, said cylinder having two operatingports, a supply-main, a separate motor-valve controlling each port to admit air to said cylinder from said main and to exhaust air from said cylinder, a controlling-pipe for operating each motor-valve from which air is normally exhausted, and means for producing pressure in said controlling-pipes alternately and for exhausting both controlling-pipes simultaneously.

12. In a pneumatic mechanism for operating switch and semaphore devices, the combination of a'pneumatic motor, a valve controlling the same, an operating-bar for said valve, a lock for said bar, a pneumatic operating mechanism for said lock, pneumatic connections from said mechanism to a valve at the switch or semaphore, connections between the switch or semaphore and the valve thereat for operating said valve, and means for returning the lock to its initial position, actuated by the movement of said bar.

13. In a pneumatic mechanism for actuating switch and semaphore devices, a valve controlling the same, an operating-bar for said valve, said bar having a notched edge, a locking-rod for engaging said notched edge, a pneumatic actuating device for said rod, pneumatic connections from said device to a valve at the switch or semaphore, mechanism operated by the switch or semaphore for actuating the valve, the edge of the bar being so formed as to return the locking-rod to its initial position.

14. In a pneumatic mechanism for cont-rolling the operating-bars of switch and semaphore devices, the combination of an operat ing-bar adapted to control the movements of the switch or semaphore, said bar having a notched edge, a rod adapted to engage said notched edge, a casing whereinto said rod extends, a flexible diaphragm in said casing, a valve at the switch or semaphore and operated by the movements thereof, a pneumatic connection from the valve at the switch or semaphore to said casing for operating said rod, and means upon the operating-bar for returning the said locking-bar positively to its initial position.

15. In a switch-operating device, the combination of an actuating-plate, connections therefrom to said switch for operating the same, a locking-bar movable with said switch and having grooves therein of different contours, lugs on said actuatingplate, one of said lugs being adapted to enter one of the grooves only and the other lug being adapted to enter the other groove only.

16. In a switch-operating device, the combination of an actuating-plate, connections therefrom to said switch for operating the same, a locking-bar movable with said switch and having two 'grooves therein of different contours, two lugs on the actuating-plate, each lug corresponding in contour to one of said grooves and having such a contour that it cannot enter the other of said grooves.

17. The combination of a movable switch, an operating-rod therefor, a rod-actuating plate, a bed-plate having ways in which said actuating-plate slides, a switch-locking rod, a keeper on the bed-plate in which the locking-rod works, a cam-slot and pin connection between the switch-rod and the actuatingplate, and a locking connection between said 

